The ACCC Moves To Improve Quad Bike Safety
The ACCC in Australia has proposed major changes to improve the safety of quad bikes, including the introduction of a safety rating system, crush protection devices and mandatory minimum performance standards.
Tragically, quad bike accidents result in an average of 16 deaths in Australia each year. They also result in approximately six people per day attending a hospital emergency department and two of these requiring hospitalisation for serious injuries.
To help reduce the deaths and injuries associated with quad bikes, the ACCC is proposing a mandatory safety standard that:
- adopts the US Standard and requires an additional rollover warning label
- introduces a safety star rating system so safer vehicles get a higher rating
- requires manufacturers to integrate an operator protection device, such as a crush protection device or roll over protection device in the design of new quad bikes
- imposes minimum performance tests for dynamic handling, stability and mechanical suspension and requires that all wheels be able to rotate at different speeds.
Background
There are approximately 190,000 quad bikes in operation in Australia used for in workplaces, recreation, adventure tours and competitive racing. Currently about 16,000 quad bikes are sold each year in Australia and they are one of the leading causes of death and injury on Australian farms. Since 1 January 2011, 114 people have died in quad bike-related incidents.
Source: ACCC
